Nature's Way Market

Proud as I am of our little city, I've never thought of Greensburg as being a particularly cutting-edge type place.  But, consider this: although Trader Joe's traces its roots to 1967 in Pasadena, California, Whole Foods wasn't even born until 1980 in Austin, Texas.  Yet Nature's Way Market has been around  since 1977.  In little old Greensburg, PA. 

That's right.  We were Crunchy, When Crunchy Wasn't Cool.  (Does anyone get that reference?)  Clearly, owner Kitty Tuscano was way ahead of her time.

Nature's Way Market is located at 796 Highland Avenue, next to Schaller's Bakery.  For the life of me, I cannot think of what used to be near the location of this market.  So I'm sad to report that I have NO Greensburg Directions to Nature's Way.  [Hangs head in shame.]  If you can think of a reference point that used to be near there, PLEASE let me know. 

WHAT on earth used to be around here???

I've been in Nature's Way on many occasions over the years, stopping in now and again to pick up bulk spices (hello, cheaper!), a natural skin care product, or a new food to try.  But lately I'm attempting to step it up with the weight loss and wellness journey that I have been on for the past two years.  I'm working on moving my family toward eating more of a whole foods, plant-based diet.  (Yeah, they're totally not on board with this.  But I try.)  So I am becoming more of a 'regular' Nature's Way shopper.

I never cease to be amazed at what they manage to hold in that little store.  I'll go in their with a list of esoteric ingredients for a recipe I want to try and attempt to find them on my own.  After about 20 minutes of searching, I'll finally admit to myself that I'm hopelessly lost and ask for help.  Not only do all the employees know exactly where everything is in the market, but they always have what I need, no matter how foreign it intially sounds to me.  It's hard for me to imagine how they can seemingly have "everything" in such a modest space. 

Whether you're looking for meat-free, gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy-free, organic or other healthy food options, Nature's Way Market is sure to have what you need.  On top of their edible offerings, the market carries a host of supplements, natural and organic personal care products, environmentally-friendly cleaning products, and just about everything else you can imagine to support a healthier lifestyle for you and your family. 

Furthermore, their website includes several helpful features, including the product showcase that allows you to search for specific items or brands in over 30 categories.  On the left navigation bar, you'll also find references, news, and other useful tools.

Nature's Way often hosts events and invites their partners into the store.  Several times a month, you can visit during "Pam's Cooking" sessions and enjoy a yummy treat while you shop.  On one of my recent visits, Edible Kneads and Palmer's Farm were also both on site. 

Malinda of Edible Kneads was offering samples of her "savory" treats - freshly baked bagels with flavored cream cheeses and hummus.  I picked up two for myself, and I have to say that a toasted "everything" bagel topped with hummus makes an excellent lunch.  (I asked Malinda what was the everything in the everything bagel and she replied, "Everything important."  No argument here.)  Edible Kneads is a bake shop in Ligonier and their items can also be found at a few other local establishments like DV8 Espresso Bar & Gallery in Greensburg and Connections Cafe in Ligonier.

Neil Palmer of Palmer's Farm was offering some beautiful produce items.  (I bought a tomato as big as my face and a couple of other veggies.)  Palmer's Farm is one of many vendors that Nature's Way has partnered with to bring local, sustainable products to Greensburg.  Palmer's is a fourth generation, local farm committed to promoting biodiversity through natural fertilization and intensive crop rotation.  Their organic farming techniques allow them to keep their crops healthy while minimizing - or even eliminating - the use of chemicals.

I think the best thing about Nature's Way is that they are clearly committed to the beliefs they espouse on their website.  They are not merely jumping on the latest trends in healthy living and environmental science to make a buck.  Nature's Way Market is not only committed to providing high-quality products and superior customer service, they also financially support the organizations that work toward the initiatives they believe in.  Nature's Way supports non-GMO* efforts and local conservation groups.  For the past seven years, they have been a 1% For the Planet member, donating over $150,000 toward local conservation efforts.

Finally, I always enjoy my trips to Nature's Way because it's so positive and friendly - and I typically run into someone I know there and it turns into a social outing as well as a shopping trip.  The next time I go there, maybe I'll see you!

*GMO = genetically modified organism = frankenfood.  If you don't know about GMOs, you don't know what you're eating.  Eek!  Seriously, look into it before your next trip to purchase groceries.